Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the edge of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe, or the skin of the side of the toe grows over the toenail. While any toe can be affected, it is most common in the big toe.

You may have an ingrown nail if you experience pain, swelling and redness along the side of your toenail. You may also notice drainage or pus if you have developed an infection at the site.

Ingrown nails are often caused by:

Curved or abnormally shaped toenails

Trauma that drives the nail into the skin

Tight shoes that push the curved toenail into the skin

Injury to the toenail causing abnormal growth

Cutting toenails too short or "digging" into the sides of them

Thickened toenails

Hereditary factors: it is common to see ingrown toenails in related family members

Don't trim your toenails too short. Trimming the toenails too short may allow the end of the toenail to grow into the skin

Don't "dig" down into the side of your toenails

Trim your toenails relatively straight across.

Wear shoes that fit properly

If you have serious medical problems such as diabetes or poor circulation, your feet should be examined by a podiatrist